Gorgeous grand design in Harrogate

While many of us dream of creating our own “grand design”, Anne and David Slater had no such desire until they spotted a plot in the perfect location.

Fulwith Mill Lane in Harrogate is an exclusive address thanks to its proximity to both town and country.

“We lived close by and we love Fulwith Mill Lane and so when we heard about the land with outline planning permission for a house, we went for it,” says Anne.

They tweaked the design to suit their lifestyle and also decided to swap the proposed exterior render for Yorkshire stone.

Dobsons of Ilkley was the main contractor for the 7,358 sq. ft build, which was completed in 2010, and Anne planned the interior design.

“We employed a project manager but we were very hands-on and visited the site regularly,” she says.

The property, which has an indoor pool, is arranged over three floors and is set in generous gardens. It has a living kitchen with Siematic units, a formal sitting room with a bespoke marble fireplace, a study and a morning room with views over the garden. A glazed link leads to the utility room, a large family room and the leisure complex, which includes a swimming pool, seating area and a changing and shower room.

The bespoke staircase features a stained glass window on the half landing and is lit by a large chandelier. The first floor has a master bedroom suite with dressing area and en-suite bathroom and there are four further double bedroom suites and a house bathroom. All the sanitary ware is by Villeroy and Boch.

A spiral staircase leads up to the second floor, which provides further space and potential for two more bedroom suites.

The property also has underfloor heating on both ground and first floors and a heat exchange and ventilation system. To the rear, there is an extensive lawned garden with a stone-flagged terrace, a double garage and secure parking.

Anne and David are selling to downsize to another self-build. They are planning to construct a contemporary, single-storey home.

“We thought this would be our forever home, which is why we didn’t spare any expense on it but I have had rheumatoid arthritis, which is why we have decided to build a bungalow,” says Anne.

Daniel Rigg of Knight Frank Harrogate, says: “The house offers luxurious accommodation and is superbly planned with family living and entertaining very much in mind. It occupies a secure and private setting in well-established gardens, which extend to just under an acre.”

Contact Knight Frank, Harrogate, tel: 01423 535374, www.knightfrank.co.uk